The Brighton Dome is an arts venue in Brighton, England, that contains the Concert Hall, the Corn Exchange and the Studio Theatre (formerly the Pavilion Theatre). All three venues are linked to the rest of the Royal Pavilion Estate by a tunnel to the Royal Pavilion in Pavilion Gardens and through shared corridors to Brighton Museum. The Brighton Dome is a Grade I listed building.
9 o’clock start today as we have a long drive to Brighton…
We devised a stop-off at Nutfield Marshes which is about an hour away from Brighton…
Nutfield Marshes lie in the vale of Holmesdale between the North Downs and the Greensand Ridge and comprises of a series of wetland sites – The Moors, Spynes Mere, Holmethorpe Lagoons and Mercers Country Park.
Nice sunny day…
We stopped off for a short while near Warwick…
Spot the bus…
There was still quite a way to go…
Eventually we arrived…
Our pub of choice was ‘The Inn On The Pond’…
The Inn…
With its oak beams, low ceilings and open fireplaces, the Inn on the Pond is truly the quintessential country pub. Built in 1650, it’s a place to savour real ales and great food. As the Inn is situated on the main cycle routes and ajacent to the Nutfield Marshes Conservation area it is also popular with walkers and cyclists – both of whom are welcome.
The Pond…
Situated in the little hamlet of Nutfield Marshes, in an area of the Holmesdale Valley where the quarrying of Fullers Earth was once the major source of industry, the Inn faces an eponymous pond which dates back to 1603 and which was opened by David Bellamy after being cleaned in 1989.
Inside, the manager recommended the Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter…
A superbly balanced bitter with prominent hop character. Using a blend of four local hops, water filtered through the Sussex Downs over 30 years, and Harvey’s unique 60 year old yeast strain, Harvey’s Best Bitter is the embodiment of Sussex. ALC 4.0% VOL
Our table was set…
Great food!
Beautiful location…
Keith was tempted…
But it was time to go…
Off we pop again…
Time for a nap…
Some time later we hit Brighton…
The Royal Pavilion is a Grade I listed building and was formerly a royal residence, originally built for King George IV when he was Prince Regent. The architecture is a distinctive blend of Indo-Saracenic style, popular in India during the 19th century, with Chinese-inspired interior design.The Statue of George IV stands outside the Royal Pavilion complex in Brighton. It was commissioned in 1822 as a tribute to King George IV and unveiled in 1828. It was sculpted by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey and is now a Grade II listed building.
Before soundcheck, Carl did a bit of window shopping…
The Modfather Clothing Company is a London-based independent retailer founded in 2012 by Mario and Daniel Warner, specializing in authentic Mod, Skinhead, Casual, and Rude Boy subcultural fashion. Located in Camden’s Stables Market, with a second store in Brighton, the business is known for curating heritage brands and producing exclusive collaborations with artists like The Who and Paul Weller.
The soundcheck…
Over the last four weekends, Carl has been taking Polaroid photo’s documenting the tour in a visually different way…
The north gate of the Royal Pavillion
A bit later on we headed off in to town…
Some friends had recommended we meet in the nearby ‘Basketmaker’s Arms…
A much loved Brighton institution, the Basketmakers Arms holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Brimming with history, this 19th century pub offers a vast array of drinks and delicious food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere to an eclectic mix of guests. A haven for Brighton’s beer lovers and a sought out destination for visitors to Brighton.
It was busy inside…
We were drinking the Seafarers English Ale…
A crisp, light, amber ale, Seafarers is brewed with the aptly named Admiral hop, which imparts a zesty, spicy nature to the beer. The ingredients also include the famous Gales yeast, which bring soft-fruit flavours to the fore.
Everyone had arranged to meet their guests here…
Family friendsSchool friends
All too soon it was time to get back…
Great pics on stage…
Photos by BrightonSource
Great crowd!!
After the gig we went to meet our guests in the bar area…
Kieran Maguire (Football Finance Expert) with his wife GailKeith with West Ham buddy Chas
It was a great gig…
But we had to leave handy as our hotel was a two hour drive away…
Bristol Beacon, previously Colston Hall, is a concert hall and Grade Il listed building on Colston Street, Bristol, England. It is owned by Bristol City Council. Since 2011, it has been managed by Bristol Music Trust.
Good Friday everyone…
The previous night we’d driven from Brighton to Reading…
HMP Moto…
Sheets knotted…
Band on the run…
The others had found a breakfast place…
Ultimate Breakfast Ciabatta British outdoor bred pork sausages, beechwood smoked British back bacon and freshly cooked roasted tomato omelette with chives, served in a crusty ciabatta roll.
We got time off for good behaviour…
By stark contrast, our lunchtime venue today was Hanham Mills near Bristol…
Hanham Mills, located on the River Avon in South Gloucestershire is a scenic, historic riverside area known for its walking trails, picturesque lock, and popular waterside pubs. It serves as a key stop on the Avon Valley Trail, offering scenic views, wildlife, and easy access from Bristol.
Farmfoods?
Eventually we got there…
Our pub of choice was the ‘Old Lock and Weir’…
Hanham Mills is Hanham’s best known beauty spot. The Old Lock and Weir pub opened in 1727 and an ancient ferry crossed here. Nowadays it’s a traditional English pub serving freshly prepared food situated in a beautiful riverside location, perched on the edge of the River Avon with a huge beer garden. The weir powered several mills and the lock opened in the same year, thus improving the passage of coal and quarry stone in the Bath direction. The Bristol lock system opened in 1809, thus making the river at Hanham non tidal.
Inside was fairly busy…
We ordered the beer…
The West Country’s favourite beer derives from pure Mendip Spring Water…notably bitter, clean tasting, refreshingly dry and distinctive. Made with 100% best Maris Otter malt, together with a blend of English hop varieties, Butcombe Bitter is a moreish Mendip masterpiece.
Our table was in the outcasts room…
The trio of pies was the favourite…
We ordered some more of the bitter but couldn’t resist a review of our namesake cider…
Farmboy is farmhouse cider for all comers, from newbie to old boy. With a little less farm and a lot more flavour, Farmboy pairs bucket loads of traditional bittersweet taste with a fresh, clean finish. Made with a blend of all 18 varieties from Bristol’s Far Orchard. Disarmingly drinkable with a restrained ABV for the style. Fruity, tangy and gently bitter. Orange, black grape and plummy notes. Herbal and floral aromas.
Fab location…
The locals were sorry to see us go…
But go we must…
For a change we were heading to the hotel first…
Quick snooze then…
Something looks familiar…
We stayed here last year after we played the Thekla ship in Bristol. Remember having a pint in the Fox Den before the gig.
To the venue!
It’s a big concert hall…
Bristol Beacon first opened its doors on 20 September 1867. For over 150 years our walls have reverberated with the magical sights and sounds of orchestras, activists, acrobats, wrestlers, filmmakers and entertainers of every description. In 2020, we started a new chapter, changing our name from Colston Hall to Bristol Beacon. With our new name we have sought to shine a light on the unsung heroes and hidden stories of our past, and to provide an open and welcoming home for the voices of the future.
Soundcheck over it was time to explore the surrounding area…
Colston StreetThe Christmas Steps in Bristol, England, are a historic, steep, Grade Il listed pedestrian street dating back to 1669. Located in the city center, they link Colston Street to Perry Road, featuring independent shops, charming architecture, and the notable, historic The Christmas Steps pub.
Would be a tragedy if we didn’t go in here…
The Christmas Steps Pub is a historic pub in central Bristol dating back to 1600. It is located at the foot of the beautiful Christmas Steps in one of the oldest parts of the city. The pub retains many of its original features and was once a 17th century sugar refinery. It was tastefully restored in 2014 and now provides a contemporary offer of modern craft beer, real ale plus freshly cooked pub classics and a range of delicious small plates with an emphasis on innovation and quality.
Brilliant choice of beers…
Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout is an award-winning, 4.5% ABV, full-bodied dark beer recognized for its creamy, chocolatey sweetness balanced with coffee notes. This, the original Bristol Milk Stout, uses lactose (milk sugar) for a smooth finish and is available in 440ml cans, casks, and kegs.SplendidA gorgeous, thirst-quenching golden ale brewed in collaboration with the Christmas Steps and Spotted Cow pubs in Bristol. Packed full of late hops and dry hopped for extra thirst quenchability.Glorious
We met our guests and had a pint with them but it was soon time to head back up the hill…
Decisions…
Meanwhile back in the dressing room our Seven Brothers/Kelloggs collaboration tins were waiting for us…
“They’re Gr-r-reat!”
A chilled Keith has seen it all before…
Time to go on…
Thanks for the brilliant photo’s Kirsty Payne & Allan McDonald
Fantastic crowd!!!
After the show we hooked up with our good friends Andy & Kirsty…
O2 Academy Birmingham originally opened in the city in 2000 in Dale End with the venue bringing live music to the Midlands for almost a decade before it moved to its current home in Horsefair in 2009. The building in Dale End was steeped in musical heritage, it opened first as The Ballroom and then as the Top Rank Suite in the 1960s. After 20 years as the Top Rank, the venue was rebranded in the 1980s and became the Hummingbird which in the latter part of the decade gave some clubbers their first taste of house music and hosted some legendary live performances from Nirvana, Sonic Youth and The Beastie Boys before closing in 1994.
Morning campers
Not much of a walk this morning but spotted this on the way …
The City of Bristol College’s Advanced Engineering Centre in Stoke Gifford. It is used as a ground trainer for students studying aeronautical engineering at the college.
Got as far as the Bristol Parkway line…
Then headed back…
Bit of a queue for breakfast…
Worth the wait…
No white slice?
Time to go!
We’d noticed a pub called ‘The Farm’ in the suburb of St Werburghs only a 15 minute drive away…
St Werburghs is a vibrant, eco-conscious inner-city suburb 1.5 miles northeast of Bristol city centre, known for its community spirit, Victorian terraces, and unique attractions like The Farm Public House.Tucked away in a quiet corner of St Werburghs, between a City Farm and allotments, The Farm is a haven where you can step away from the hum of urban life, slow down and re-charge over a perfectly poured pint and some great food. Embracing hospitality and positivity, this pub nestles at the hub of this creative, pioneering quarter – a standard-bearer for the Guerrilla Pub ethos.
Decent beers…
Too early for a pint though…
The Farm @ The Farm…
The kids are alright…
We planned our lunchtime stop-off in the village of Grimley near Worcester…
Grimley is a village and civil parish in the Malvern Hills District in the county of Worcestershire, England about 3 miles north of Worcester. It is known for the Norman Parish Church of St Bartholomew’s and a nature reserve.
Getting there…
Our pub of choice was ‘The Camp House Inn’…
No one is going to stumble upon the Camp House Inn by mistake. Unless, maybe, they are in a kayak. It’s located at the end of a dead end lane, worryingly close to the river. In it’s splendid isolation, the boozer remains unchanged for decades. As do the landlords. 50+ years service from the current incumbents. (Thanks to Mappiman’s Real Ale Walks Blog)
First impressions…
The beer was great – Hereford Pale Ale…
HPA is a truly delightful pale ale. It’s smooth on the palate and boasts a citrus hop aroma leading to a balanced bitter finish. Locally grown Target and Celeia hops, plus malted wheat and extra pale Maris Otter malted barley, make this a beer with all the right ingredients!
The Menu…
Bar meal classics…?
The jury is out…
Keith walked his dinner off along the river…
Bevere Lock is a navigation lock and weir located on the River Severn in Worcestershire, England, positioned between Holt Lock and Worcester. It is part of the Stourport Ring and plays a key role in regulating the river’s flow and enabling navigation on this stretch of the River Severn, often referred to locally as part of the main river route from Stourport to Worcester.
Beautiful surroundings…
We bid farewell to the Camp House…
And set sail for Birmingham…
Meanwhile here’s another of Carl’s Polaroids…
The Camp House Inn
After the soundcheck we arranged to meet guests in the ‘Victoria’ pub…
The Victoria is a theatre pub dating back to the end of the 19th century, it has character, legends and also has its own ghost! Offering you a wide selection of drinks including quality handpicked wines, cask ales and cocktails. During the evening throughout the week at The Victoria, a range of interesting options are available for entertainment such as quiz, live music and resident DJs.
For the second time today Hereford Pale Ale was on offer…
Wye Valley Brewery HPA (Hereford Pale Ale) is a popular 4.0% ABV, pale straw-colored, bottle-conditioned real ale brewed in Herefordshire, England. Known for its light and crisp profile, it features a citrus hop aroma and a balanced bitter finish, brewed with local Target and Celeia hops.
Tasted as good as before!
Time wasn’t on our side and we had to get back…
The dressing room…
Keith likes a video…
It was almost time to go on and their was a sense of anticipation out front…
We came on to a great roar from the crowd!!
Some videos…
ATN
ATN
Later on we watched the Monday’s set from the back of the hall with our guests…
Another great performance
What a brilliant day!!!
Next stop Bournemouth…
Sunday 5th April 2026 – Bournemouth O2 Academy
O2 Academy Bournemouth is an outstanding Grade II listed building and provides a beautiful backdrop for any live performance. Over 130 years old, the venue was built in 1894 by Archibald Beckett and opened on 27 May 1895 as The Grand Theatre and Pavilion. Early shows came from some of the biggest talents of the time, alongside silent film, opera and even a circus. In 1899 it became the Boscombe Grand Theatre, a Music Hall which also hosted singing, dancing and comedy shows, as well as theatre productions.
Happy Easter…
Overnight we stayed just outside Birmingham.
Our walk this morning took us to a footpath circumnavigating an electricity substation…
This looks more interesting…
It wasn’t
Walking back to the hotel we discovered another farm themed pub…
Time to head off…
Today’s lunchtime stop-off is in the tiny village of Ovington in Hampshire…
Ovington is a village on the banks of the River Itchen in Hampshire, just upstream, to the west, of New Alresford. It stands on the south bank of the river at a meeting of lanes, just away from the dual carriageway of the A41. At the 2001 census it had a recorded population of 163. Its largest building in the central area is Ovington House, of no great antiquity, but whose North Lodge is listed as Grade II.
Several hours later we arrived…
The North Lodge…
St. Peter’s church….
St. Peter’s Church in Ovington, the church is known for its flint walls and a distinctive oak bell tower topped with a spire. It is a Victorian-era structure that is approximately 150 years old. The churchyard is historically significant, featuring old headstones and a scenic rural setting.
Eventually we reached our destination…
The Bush Inn…
Situated on the banks of the River Itchen in the picturesque village of Ovington. This traditional 17th century pub is sure to give you a lasting memory whatever the season. Whether you are here in summer to enjoy the calmness and serenity of our riverside garden or snuggling up next to one of our log fires in the winter.
It’s a fantastic country pub and we were very lucky to get a cancellation as it was Easter Sunday…
Inside we ordered the Wadworth 6X…
ABV 4.1% draft This hand crafted ale is a timeless amber-hued beer distinctively full bodied and eminently drinkable. The nose is malty and fruity with a balancing hoppy note. The delicious malt and fruit character emerge even more intensely on the palate with a long, lingering malty finish. In 6X we brew with Pale Ale, Crystal and Black malts, while Fuggles and Goldings hops add to the flavour.
Our table was ready…
The beer tasted great…
Menu looked good as well…
Dinner was spot on!
Mixed roast
Next up we ordered the ‘Henry’s IPA’…
We consider Henry’s IPA to be one of the best; with an ABV of 3.4%, it’s a light bronze ale with delicate malt aromas. Easy drinking with cereal notes and a lingering finish.
Henry’s IPA seen here on the left…
The pub is located in a beautiful area…
Another Polaroid…
The river Itchen
Time for us to go…
Pub of the tour so far
Nap time…
Soon enough we arrived at the venue…
There were albums to be signed…
The venue was amazing…
Charlie Chaplin appeared on this stage as a young performer before his rise to Hollywood stardom. He was known to have toured with Fred Karno’s famous comedy company, which often played at venues across the UK.
Today, the area celebrates this history with Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar on Christchurch Road. It is a heavily themed venue that houses the second largest collection of Charlie Chaplin memorabilia in the world and features over 130 images and murals of the comedian.
What are we waiting for?
Clean-tasting, easy-drinking bitter. Well balanced with lingering bitterness after moderate sweetness. 4.2% ABV
Wasn’t bad although sipped from plastic glasses…
The Polaroid version…
After soundcheck we nipped back to Chaplin’s and sat outside…
After a couple of Jurassic’s we headed back stage…
BrewDog Wingman is a session IPA, this is a smooth ride of mellow tropical fruits, piney notes and a sharp citrus aroma. Refreshing, infinitely drinkable and with a steady boozing altitude of 4.3%.
Apparently Laurel & Hardy played in this theatre in the 1950’s…
Time to go on!
Great photos by Sammie Hatch
Crowd were brilliant!!!
After the show we met up with our good friend Joe Musker who played percussion with us in our early years…
Sadly we had to shoot off as we had a long drive home…
Thursday 26th March 2026 – Cambridge Corn Exchange
The Grade II Listed Cambridge Corn Exchange is the largest event space in the centre of Cambridge offering capacity for up to 1400. The flexible auditorium offers a variety of seating options including theatre style, cabaret and tiered, as well as a completely blank canvas of 456 square metres for exhibitions. The other rooms in the venue offer registration and breakout spaces for large-scale conferences.
We met up early at the rehearsal studios in Liverpool…
Today’s lunchtime venue is the ‘Foxton Locks Inn’ at Foxton near Market Harborough, Leicestershire…
It’s a historic area…
Foxton Locks are ten canal locks consisting of two “staircases” each of five locks, located on the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal about 3 miles (5 km) west of the Leicestershire town of Market Harborough. They are named after the nearby village of Foxton.
Nice sunny day again…
We had a film…
We’re enjoying this old favourite😄
We stopped off for a short break near Coventry…
Groovy plane?
Sort of… it’s the ‘Frank Whittle Memorial’ on a roundabout in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. The structure is a full-size replica of the GlosterE.28/39 which was the first British jet-powered aircraft to fly.
We approached the charmingly named village of Husbands Bosworth…
The prefix “Husbands” was added around the 16th/17th century to distinguish it from Market Bosworth, referring to the “husbandmen” or local farmers who occupied the land.All Saints Church, a Grade II listed building with medieval origins.
Nearly there…
It’s a beautiful place…
The pub…
The Foxton Locks Inn is a popular location for food and drink. A recent winner of the Leicestershire Tourism Awards ‘best pub’ category it is a well visited site especially in the summer months and at the weekends. It’s large beer garden can accommodate hundreds in the summer with views over the water.
They had 2 draught beers on…
Fuller’s London Pride is an iconic 4.7% ABV premium amber ale brewed in Chiswick, London, recognized for its well-balanced, sessionable character. It features a rich blend of malted barley (including crystal malt) for caramel notes and British hops (Target, Northdown, Challenger, Goldings) for a bitter-sweet finish.Timothy Taylor’s Boltmaker is a renowned 4.0%–4.2% ABV Yorkshire bitter known for its well-balanced, creamy, and nutty flavor profile. Originally named Best Bitter, it was rebranded in 2012, subsequently winning the CAMRA Supreme Champion Beer of Britain in 2014. It is brewed with Golden Promise barley and offers a fruity, hoppy aroma.
Our table was inside but with a brilliant view…
Food was good…
FISH & CHIPS Hand battered fish of the day with chunky chips, peas & tartare sauce £14.95CHEF’S PIE OF THE DAY Homemade pie served with creamy mash potato and peas. £15.95
It was a great pub!
Half cut…
The Grand Union Canal in England is part of the British canal system. It is the principal navigable waterway between London and the Midlands. Starting in London, one arm runs to Leicester and another to Birmingham. The Birmingham canal is 137 miles (220 km) with 166 locks. The Birmingham line has a number of short branches to places including Slough, Aylesbury, Wendover, and Northampton. The Leicester line has two short arms of its own, to Market Harborough and Welford.
Time to go…
We’ve just enough time to finish the film and look for the venue…
Eventually we found it…
The writing’s on the wall…
The Cambridge Corn Exchange features a “timeline on the wall” as part of its 150th-anniversary celebrations, which highlights significant landmark moments and performances in the venue’s history.
We’d arranged to meet friends in Cambridge so we headed off after the soundcheck…
The Eagle is one of Cambridge’s oldest inns, dating back to the 14th century, and is one of the county’s most famous pubs. On February 28, 1953, pub regular Francis Crick came to The Eagle to announce to the pub’s guests, some of whom were fellow scientists and researchers, that he, together with James Watson, had discovered the double helix structure of DNA.
We hurriedly took a sample…
A classic English Amber ale, showcasing malty, caramel and subtle dark fruit flavours, complemented by balanced herbal, floral hops and a smooth finish.
The pub had plenty of character…
Back in the dressing room we still had some of the Vocation beer left…
Hop, Skip & Juice | 5.7% Hazy Pale Ale 440ml. A juicy pale ale with masses of tropical notes and stone fruit aromas. Hop forward, with a refreshing and balanced bitterness. A fun and exuberant beer to go with feel good moments.
It worked for me…
Time to go on stage…
New top!
Fantastic crowd…
As we were staying over, we went to watch the Mondays…
I’d met up with my brother-in-law Charlie…
24 minute party people
After the gig we met up with Andrew Lindsay creator of ‘66 clothing’…
Prior to the gig he’d kindly given us a selection of his latest designs…
66 Clothing is a division of Modshoes, which has been operational since 2011. Retro Inspired Clothing for both Men & Women, paying significant homage to iconic pop culture figures such as the Beatles, Paul Weller, and others.
We had a fantastic time in Cambridge!!
Next stop London…
Friday 27th March 2026 – London Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is a performing arts and concert venue at the Grade II* listed former railway engine shed in Chalk Farm, London, England. The building was erected in 1846-1847 by the London & North Western Railway as a roundhouse, a circular building containing a railway turntable, but was used for that purpose for only about a decade.
A brisk walk before breakfast was the plan so we nipped out of the hotel and headed for the countryside…
We found a cycle path…
The Tins cycle path, historically named after corrugated iron (“tin”) sheets lined the path west of the railway bridge; some sections are still present.
Eventually it opened out on to Mill Road in the town of Romsey…
The Cambridge Labour Party was formed in 1912 and initially decided to build its headquarters in Romsey Town due to the area’s left wing reputation. However after the plot of land had been purchased the Party decided to continue the search for an appropriate location and granted the land to the local party to build a club itself.
The road still has a sense of that reputation…
After breakfast it was time to get back on the bus…
The plan was to head to Epping with a view to finding a suitable pub…
We passed through Waltham Abbey…
And after a few wrong turns we eventually arrived at a pub called The Woodbine…
Welcome to The Woodbine. A multi award winning British Pub & Restaurant located at the entrance to Epping Forest just off junction 26 of the M25 near Theydon Bois, High Beach & Waltham Abbey, here you’ll find a warm & friendly welcome, we offer pub meals & Sunday roasts not only in our restaurant but also for takeaway and delivery. We are number 1 for sunday roasts in epping forest!
It was a brilliant independent pub with friendly staff…
We all decided on the Brewers Gold…
Supreme Champion Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival 2005 and 2006, this multi-award-winning beer is pale, refreshing and extravagantly hoppy with gorgeous aromas of tropical fruits. Brewed with 100% extra-pale English barley malt and flavoured with heaps of choicest Brewers Gold hops, sourced with care from small-scale growers in the Hallertau.It tasted as good as it looks
We sat down to order some food..
A ploughman’s…
Liver & bacon…
Fish and chips…
All tasted great…who’s round is it?
Founded in 1981, Crouch Vale Brewery has survived (prospered, even) to be today, the longest-established brewery in the diverse, eclectic and damn fine county of Essex. We are immensely passionate about what we do and massively proud of our hand-crafted, multiple award-winning beers. The company is (and has always has been) independent and privately, family owned.
We’d arranged to meet friends nearby at the ‘Tapping The Admiral‘ public house…
Having been voted north London pub of the year in 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2023, you can be certain of the quality, and condition, of our ales. We pride ourselves in sourcing the finest cask, bottle, can and keg products from up and down the UK, as well as quality wines and spirits sourced from local distributors.
Plenty of beers on show…
A session pale ale with a variety of fruity and aromatic hops from around the globe. The malt and hop combination creates an interesting flavourful thirst-quenching beer.Bootiful is a new world take on a Best Bitter, with rich toffee and caramel malt flavours combined with modern tropical hop flavours. Ernest hops deliver New World characteristics with fruity notes of apricot, nectarine and spice. Mosaic hops provide tropical and soft fruit flavours and Challenger hops give a balanced, subtle bitterness.
The pub was suggested to us by our longtime friend and beer expert Julian Turton…
His recommendation was the ‘Prohibition Pale Ale’ by the Kent Brewery…
American highly hopped with some of the latest US hop varieties, this citrusy pale ale is a celebration of America’s contribution to modern brewing.
It was soon time to head back to the venue…
One of our Sheffield pals Steve had got the train down to see us.
Backstage, Carl’s son Chay had come to see us…
And tonight’s setlist is…
A massive London crowd was waiting…
It was a brilliant atmosphere…
After the show, amongst others we met up with Paul Oakenfold, James Brown and Gary Stonadge from Big Audio Dynamite…
It was a fantastic night in London…
Next stop Southend…
Saturday 28th March 2026 – Southend Cliffs Pavillion
Southend’s premier entertainment complex, the Cliffs Pavilion is a great place to experience live performances. The region’s leading theatre and concert hall, programmes include touring West End musicals, ballet, concerts and comedy.
We stayed overnight in a Travelodge and woke up to sunshine…
Another brisk walk…
Thought we’d head to the train station…
Following the station’s opening 1 October 1868, the Midland Railway built the Midland Grand Hotel on the station’s façade. George Gilbert Scott won the competition to design it, with an ornate Gothic red-brick scheme. St Pancras has been widely praised for its architecture and is now a Grade I listed building.St. Pancras International, an iconic London landmark and the gateway to highspeed travel across the UK and Europe. With its stunning Victorian architecture, St. Pancras is more than a station – it’s a destination in it’s own right.
We passed the iconic Scala venue…
Built to the design of H Courtney Constantine, the Kings Cross Cinema, was nearing completion when the First World War began. The partially completed cinema was first used to manufacture airplane parts, and after 1918 as a local labour exchange for demobilized soldiers returning from the war. Finally completed, the Kings Cross Cinema opened on April 1920. Seating over 1000 people, the auditorium offered a three-hour program, accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra.
Then back to the hotel…
And breakfast…
Carl’s of course
The plan was to head to Canvey Island and the ‘Lobster Smack’…
Canvey Island is a town, civil parish and island in the Thames Estuary. It forms part of the Castle Point district of Essex, England. It is separated from the mainland of south Essex by a network of creeks, but is connected to the mainland by bridges. It has an area of 7.12 square miles (18.44 km2). At the 2021 census the parish had a population of 38,327 and the built up area had a population of 38,010.
Took us a while to get there but at last we saw the pub in the distance…
Everyone out…
We headed to the shore line…
Looking out to sea from Canvey Island, you primarily see the expansive Thames Estuary. The view focuses on the Kent coastline in the distance, shipping channels, and industrial infrastructure across the river.
Now for the pub…
Nestled on the edge of the coast, the Lobster Smack is a charming traditional pub offering a warm welcome, fantastic range of drinks, and classic British pub food. With its original wooded beams, roaring open firers, and cozy corners, it is the perfect spot to unwind with family and friends. In those summer months if inside is not for you, we have a large outdoor area serviced by our outside bar.
We ordered the IPA…
Greene King IPA is a widely available, budget-friendly English session ale (typically 3.6% ABV in cask) often described as a mild, “entry-level” bitter rather than a modern, hoppy IPA. It is known for a light, toffee-malt sweetness with subtle, earthy hop notes.
The food was nice…
Lemon SoleWrap
Some history…
There are several books and articles where the Lobster Smack is portrayed as the Inn in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, chapter 54.
Time to get on the bus…
And make our way to Southend…
We travelled through Canvey Wick…
Canvey Wick is a 93.2-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest at the south-west corner of Canvey Island in Essex. It is owned by The Land Trust and 18.5 hectares is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Buglife as a nature reserve, who are working to bring more of the area under management and to improve public access.
Eventually we arrived at the venue and our dressing room…
Only ever made and bottled in Italy at breweries in Rome, Bari and Padova, Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer is brewed using the creativity and flair of Italians; blending the finest hops with two-row spring planted barley and a quarter of Italian maize which produces its uniquely crisp and refreshing taste.
It’s a great venue…
After soundcheck we went in search of a watering hole but instead found ourselves in the middle of a car rally!!
‘Old fellas’ apparently… (not us!!)
Welcome to “OLD FELLAS” Home of the ‘Old Skool Boy Racer Era’ If you were a part of the vibrant car culture during the 80’s 90’s and 00’s, this is the place for you. We’re a nationwide community of enthusiasts reminiscing the good old days.
Time to find a pub…
We are a craft beer, real ale and cider pub in Westcliff-on-Sea, near to Southend. The name comes from the length of Southend Pier.
Brilliant bar…
Sup was designed to be an accessible, easy-drinking beer with subtle citrus and resinous notes with a hint of pine.
Perfect for an early evening drink…
One more then it was time to head back…
It’d gone dark and there were queues of cars everywhere…
Meanwhile, back in the dressing room…
It was time to go on stage…
Groovy
ATN
After the show we bumped into an old friend Tony and his daughter Bayley who had taken the videos above…
Tony and a few of his mates had followed our tour bus in their car during our European dates back in 1991.
Later on we watched the Mondays set…
Then finished the night off with a kebab…
Next stop Norwich…
Sunday 29th March 2026 – Norwich LCR, University of East Anglia
The LCR or Large Common Room is a live music venue and nightclub situated on the campus of the University of East Anglia and run by the Union of UEA Students.
Overnight our hotel was at Southend airport…
The 4‑star Holiday Inn is perfectly located at London Southend Airport for seamless travel. Ideal for early flights, late arrivals or stress‑free short breaks, the hotel combines modern comfort with direct terminal access and excellent on‑site facilities.
Up early we thought we’d check it out…
The airport is only 30 minutes from London on the train…
‘Searchlight Beacons’…
This artwork was created by sculptor John Atkin and is made from brushed stainless steel and granite. The sculpture serves as a landmark beacon for the airport terminal. The conical shapes represent searchlight beams from the World Wars, populated with silhouettes of various historical aircraft.
Keith had been up early as well…
And so to breakfast…
Carl’s of course
Then back on the bus…
Today’s lunchtime setting is the Norfolk Broads…
The Norfolk Broads, or simply “The Broads,” is a 303-square-kilometer National Park in Norfolk and Suffolk, UK, offering over 125 miles of lock-free waterways. Formed by medieval peat digging, it is a vibrant wetland habitat for rare wildlife and a premier destination for boating, sailing, and birdwatching, largely managed by the Broads Authority.
Off we popped…
We were heading to the village of Ormesby St Margaret…
Ormesby St Margaret is a large village within the parish of Ormesby St Margaret with Scratby in the Borough of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, England. The village is situated 7 miles northwest of Great Yarmouth and 20 miles northeast of Norwich.
Nearly there…
Eventually we arrived at our pub for the day ‘The Boathouse’…
The Boathouse incorporates a magnificently refurbished pub and restaurant with intimate dining areas as well as areas for larger groups. The interior is finished to the highest standard using natural finishes with subtle lighting for a warm ambiance.
Inside they had a brilliant beer with a connection to the area…
Eels Foot Ale is a 3.7% ABV blonde/golden session ale produced by Wolf Brewery in Norfolk, England. Often found on cask, this session beer is notably served at The Boathouse who’s former name was The Eels Foot.
Sunday lunch was the order of the day…
It was fabulous…
Another eels foot…
The Boathouse in Ormesby St. Michael is located directly on the banks of Ormesby Broad, which is part of the Trinity Broads within the Norfolk Broads.
Sadly it was time to head off…
A short journey to the LCR…
Our dressing room…
Nick Rayns (died 2013, aged 61) was the beloved, long-serving entertainments manager at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich for 36 years. He transformed the UEA Students’ Union entertainment, booking thousands of bands for the LCR venue, which was later renamed “The Nick Rayns LCR” in his honor.
Our soundcheck…
As there were no pubs in the vicinity, we had a wander around the venue with our cans of ‘Hop, Skip & Juice’…
The beer pours a lovely, hazy as you like, straw colour. Another gorgeous smelling beer from Vocation. Tropical fruits mix with a fresh English orchard with aromas of pear and stone fruits as well. The beer itself is super juicy with peaches and pear coming through on the taste in addition to pineapple chunks. There is a soft, moreish bitterness that keeps you coming back for more.
Soon it was time for us to go on…
It was a brilliant night and the crowd were great but we had to go home straight after our set.
Newcastle City Hall, designed by the architect firm Nicholas & Dixon-Spain and opened on November 7, 1928, is a renowned entertainment venue in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, originally built alongside the City Baths. It is famous for hosting legendary rock, pop, and classical acts.
Early start to the 2026 season as part of the Happy Mondays UK & Ireland tour celebrating 35 years of Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches!
10 o clock start as we have a soundcheck in Newcastle at 4. This gives us plenty of time to head to our lunchtime destination, ‘The Three Horseshoes’ in the village of Running Waters near Durham…
Weather looks promising…
Time to decipher the DVD machine…
Our choices today…
We laughed at the film and eventually arrived in Running Waters…
Running Waters is a beautiful and serene location in Durham that is perfect for nature lovers. The area is surrounded by lush greenery and is home to a variety of wildlife. The sound of the running water adds to the peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Everyone off the bus please…
And into the pub…
The Three Horseshoes is a long-standing country pub and popular food destination located 15 minutes east of Durham. Known as a characterful, family-friendly venue, it serves classic pub meals, offers seven en-suite accommodation rooms, and acts as a cozy base for exploring local landmarks like Durham Cathedral.
First pint of the tour…
The Consett Ale Works, established in 2005, is a four-barrel brewery located at the rear of the Grey Horse (Consett’s oldest pub). The name, beers and branding commemorate the former steelworks in the town, which closed in 1980. White Hot is a sweet fruity beer with citrus hops lasting well into the finish.
Grubs up…
HOMEMADE STEAK & KIDNEY PUDDING £15.85 Our homemade traditional steam suet pudding, served with choice of potatoes & vegetables.TRADITIONAL FISH & CHIPS…£15-75 Beer battered haddock, served with chips & choice of peas.SEABREAM…£18.95 Atop spring onion mash & drizzled with a caper lemon butter sauce.
The food was excellent and we were a big hit with the Chef…
Time to head off to Newcastle…
We passed the ‘Angel of the North’…
The Angel of the North is an iconic 20-meter (66-ft) tall steel sculpture in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England, designed by Antony Gormley and completed in February 1998.
And we were just about able to see the Tyne Bridge in the distance…
The Tyne Bridge is a through arch bridge over the River Tyne in North East England, linking Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead. The bridge was designed by the engineering firm Mott, Hay and Anderson, who later designed the Forth Road Bridge, and was built by Dorman Long and Co. of Middlesbrough.
Eventually we arrived at the venue and headed for the dressing room…
Sound check soon…
All done, we checked out our new merch stall…
Before checking out a nearby boozer…
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Crows Nest, a historic pub in the very heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. Perched opposite St Thomas’ Church and surrounded by all manner of urban amenities including shops, transport links and cultural hotspots, this lively pub makes the perfect pitstop during your day out in one of the UK’s most iconic cities.
And a quick pint…
Morland Old Golden Hen This light golden beer delivers both flavour and refreshment, brewed using the finest pale malts, and the rare Galaxy hop to give a light golden colour, subtle tropical fruit notes and a deliciously smooth finish.
Backstage we tried out a couple of cans we’d brought from home…
Seven Bro7hers Throw Away IPA is a 5% ABV sustainable ale brewed in collaboration with Kellogg’s using rejected cornflakes. It’s a light, refreshing malty session beer. It is considered a unique, eco-conscious, and easy-drinking option.
It was now time to go on stage…
Look at these great photos taken by Jamie Huntley…
What a great reception and what a brilliant crowd!
Next on…the Mondays😀
They were brilliant👏👏👏
Next stop Leeds…
Saturday 14th March 2026 – Leeds O2 Academy
O2 Academy Leeds inhabits one of the city’s most historic venues. The Grade II listed building opened as the Coliseum in 1885 as a concert hall and then a theatre, hosting everything from variety shows to political meetings and religious gatherings and even a circus. After a long stint as a successful cinema and then a bingo hall and social club, the building became the legendary Town and Country Club in 1992.
We stayed overnight in Newcastle and woke up to sunshine…
Not ones to ‘skip’ breakfast, we decided to get some exercise first…
A brisk walk taking in the River Tyne air is just what we needed…
Harry Clasper was a professional rower and boat builder from Tyneside in England. He was an innovative boat designer who pioneered the development of the racing shell and the use of outriggers. He is said to have invented spoon-shaped oars.
Oarsome…
Blog on the Tyne?
We best get back to the hotel…
Carl had worked up quite an appetite…
Leaving at 11.15, we decided to head to a pub in the Richmond area of Yorkshire on the way to Leeds…
Too early for lunch but the pub sounded so good we headed off there anyway…
In no time we arrived…
The Shoulder of Mutton is a traditional family owned 400 year old village pub, set in the picturesque village of Middleton Tyas located in the heart of the village, on the outskirts of the Market Town of Richmond.
A number of us tried the house beer…
A light coloured, exceptionally well balanced smooth ale with a light fragrant hop finish.
While others chose the Black Sheep…
Pours a foamy frothy almost 2 finger head with moderate retention, a bit of lacing, mostly clear honey blonde to slight copper colour.
Some interesting photos on the wall…
Time for a sharp exit…
Destination Wetherby…
We thought we’d have lunch in a pub we visited a couple of years ago – ‘The Mews’…
Tucked away down Bank Street, Wetherby, The Mews serves a good selection of regional and local ales and has a reputation for good quality food. Along with the six handpumps on the bar is a good range of keg and bottled beers plus an extensive selection of gins. Wood-floored with a variety of seating, to the side of the pub is a paved outdoor drinking area with plenty of tables and chairs.
Second pint of the day…
Our Bread & Butter beer is the ultimate fresh, easy-drinking, dry-hopped ale that balances British malts with US hops for a modern take on a classic. With mild and refreshing citrus notes, a crisp pine finish, and a rounded bitterness. This 3.9% ABV brew proves that the simplest of things are often best. Bread & Butter is a vegan-friendly staple for craft beer lovers.
Everyone loves the Pies…
Moo…
British beef steak & craft ale, mash potato, minted mushy peas & gravy Available vegan / gluten free upon request
Fantastic food and drink but now it was time to head off to the venue…
Go Alex!!
After soundcheck we headed over to Whitelock’s Ale House…
We hadn’t got much time so I quickly ordered the Kirkstall Brewery bitter…
Amber malt taking centre stage in this bitter, East Kent Golding adding a touch of forest fruits alongside a thirst-quenching bitterness.
Time to ‘sup up’…Carl had arranged to meet Leeds based music photographer Simon Walker…
Easy Going. Easy Drinking. Easy Decision. Northern Monk SUP. 3.4% golden beer, for the Gold Times.
The pub was great and we should’ve ordered another drink but we had a tight schedule…
Back at the venue we opened a couple more of the cans we’d brought along…
Throw Away is a hoppy IPA, brewed using upcycled Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. Throw Away benefits from residual sweetness as a by-product of the cereals in the mash. Hopped with Chinook, Amarillo, Loral and Talus Cryo to create a truly modern IPA.
Time to go on… (Photographs by Simon Walker)
Again the crowd were fantastic!!!
Backstage brought an unexpected highlight when our former Housemartins tour manager and now one of Europe’s leading promoters, Simon Moran turned up to see us. He reminisced about our Leeds shows from back in the day and came over to soak up the atmosphere once again.
Next stop Nottingham.
Sunday 15th March 2026 – Nottingham Rock City
From their founding in 1980 to the present day, Rock City has been at the forefront of Nottingham’s music scene! Bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the magic of live music and entertainment.
We drove home from Leeds last night so met up at the start of the M62 this morning to avoid Liverpool city centre as the roads were closed for the Liverpool half marathon…
We’d planned a pub stop off on the way but anywhere that looked decent was fully booked for Mother’s Day so we decided to find somewhere in Nottingham…
Just passed Radcliffe-on-soar power station…
Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station in Nottinghamshire, the UK’s last coal-fired power station, closed on September 30, 2024, after 57 years of operation, marking the end of coal power in the UK. The site is transitioning into a zero-carbon technology, energy, and advanced manufacturing hub, with demolition scheduled from 2026 to 2031.
Soon enough we were in Nottingham and arrived at our lunchtime venue The Canalhouse…
The Canalhouse is an iconic Nottingham pub, housed in a Grade II listed former canal museum. It’s famous for having a canal that extends inside the building, complete with resident narrow boats and a foot bridge.
Great choice of beers…
Delicate and refreshing Extra Pale Ale. Easy drinking with subtle notes of tropical fruit, citrus and pine on the nose, a beautifully soft mouthfeel and a satisfying crisp finish. 3.4% ABV
Great setting for the pub above the Nottingham & Beeston canal…
Time for some food…
Most of us went for the roast dinner…
SUNDAY ROAST £9.95 All Sunday roasts are served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, grauy and a Yorkshire pudding – a veggie option is always available.
Next up was another from Castle Rock…
Refreshing, multi-award-winning beer with delicate citrus character. Brewed with gently kilned malt and an aromatic blend of American hops. A beer with exceptional poise. 3.8% ABV
The pub was really good but we had to get back to the venue for the soundcheck…
Lovely to see Helen Barnes of ‘Loving 80’s Music’ and her boys…
Following a poor performance ⚽️ we endeavoured to find the oldest pub in England…
It’s a fabulous pub…
A light coloured beer that is exceptionally well-balanced smooth ale with a light fragrant hop finish. Completely citrusy and zesty.
We sat in the snug…
Time to head back to the venue…
Seven Bos7hers easy IPA. An easy drinking American-style IPA. A pale and lightly kilned caramel malt base is met with the classic combo of Chinook, Centennial, Columbus and Simcoe hops. Providing a perfect balance of fruit, resin and slight pine notes.
And then on to the stage…
Groovy Train at the show…
The crowd were brilliant!
Back stage we met up with former Everton manager and local to Nottingham, Sean Dyche…
We had a great time in Nottingham but it was soon time to head home as we’d come to the end of our first weekend of gigs.
The second of our Let’s Rock gigs this year takes us to Temple Newsam, a country estate in the heart of Leeds.
Our usual bus was hired out to another act so the gear went in one van….
and us in another.
No time for a stop off as the journey is only a couple of hours.
Also no DVD player so conversation was the order of the day
Peter and Roy were listening to podcasts but Carl spoke about a film he’d watched recently called ‘The Mole People’
No expense spared for costumes or special effects…
Keith told us about a recent trip down to Worcester to pick up his new dog Chapo…
Likes toast
As usual I spoke at length about brewing…
zzzzz
As we crossed the border it started to rain…
but eventually there was some scenery to enjoy.
Near HalifaxNear Sowerby Bridge
Apparently we were sent the wrong postcode…
so after a quick detour along the M1 we finally made it to the venue….sober!
‘Have you brought the beer?’
Coffee and cakes all round…
We had a quick look to see what time we were on…
then wandered outside to have a look around.
We came across an auction of memorabilia.
Fletch
Then we had an idea to visit the museum…
Newsam House Museum & Gallery in the background.
but decided against it and walked over to the VIP bar.
Here we watched Roland Gift.
The bar was busy…
Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond
We had a pint and a photo with a few of our Leeds mates…
Lovely people
we had the Atlantic Pale Ale
The Beer in brief: Atlantic is a modern pale ale that captures the essence of Sharp’s home on the rugged north coast of Cornwall. It is brewed with Sharp’s trademark precision to give complexity, subtlety and a cleanness of palate while showcasing the fresh citrus flavours of New World hops. All in, a beautifully refreshing pale ale. Deep golden in Colour, Atlantic has a vibrant fruity aroma redolent of lime zest to mango. The flavour is harmonious balance of barley sugar and grapefruit with a refreshingly crisp citrus linger. Malt: Pale Ale and Low Colour Caramalt Hops: Cascade, Aurora, Citra, Simcoe Aroma: Citrus and tropical fruits, fresh hops and candyfloss Flavour: Delicate sweetness with a fruity succulence and citrus spice to the fore Finish: Clean with a hoppy linger
As it was served far too cold you couldn’t taste any of the above😀
Oh well, time to head back as we were on shortly.
Safely back in the artists area…
and into our dressing room!
Few more beers before we go on…
Keg & bottle; Pasteurised. First brewed in 1952. Ingredients: Water, barley malt, maize, wheat malt, colour:caramel, hop extract Kronenbourg 1664 is France’s No.1 selling beer and the UK’s second-biggest selling premium lager. Kronenbourg 1664 is made with a unique blend of hops including aromatic hops from Alsace.
At last, time to go on!
Pics by Dee Keith
Great crowd!
What a great gig!!
All Together Now
Great praise from Stu Kershaw, OMD’s drummer – the band had arrived early in order to catch our performance!
Today we’re off to Shrewsbury for the Let’s Rock festival. It’s based at The Quarry, a beautiful 29-acre parkland near the river Severn.
It’s a very early start as we have to be there for 10.00 am.
Different route today and we’re going via the Wallasey tunnel
Alas, no videos and no time allocated to stop off at a Camra awarded pub😕
At least we could stop for a bit of breakfast after seeing this omen…
We didn’t hang around for long…
We motored on and arrived fairly quickly at the venue.
The artists area was great!
Menu looks good!Ice cool Alex!
Just enough time to have a look around the festival!
We had a quick line check as the crowd were starting to file in…
We were on stage soon…
so we headed back stage to check the rider.
The taste of Peroni Nastro Azzurro is distinctive, crisp and refreshing. You’ll find it has a notable citrus aroma and a pale, golden colour reminiscent of Prosecco. It is gently brewed to give you an intensely crisp, refreshing taste with that unmistakable touch of Italian style.
The crowd had come right up to the front now…
We were ready to go on after meeting the legendary David Benson Phillips who was compere for the days event.
David gave us a great introduction and then we were on!
Crowd were brilliant!
We got a great reception and headed off backstage.
Edward Tudor-Pole was also performing!
Lovely guy!
We then went back out front into the sunshine to watch Scritti Politti
Met a few fans on the way
They were excellent and we met Green Gartside backstage!
He was ace!
We wanted to stay longer and see Bad Manners but we had to get back to Liverpool.
So we had to say farewell to Shrewsbury!
On the way in we’d earmarked the Olde Bucks Head as a possible getaway from the festival but it was never going to happen.
So instead we decided to travel up to Liverpool and head to The Old Tap in Waterloo where a couple of beer aficionado’s were keenly awaiting our arrival.
We had something to eat on the bus and a possible snooze then….
The Mersey Tunnel!
5 minutes in the tunnel then another 15 to Waterloo and we arrived at The Old Tap.
It’s a new pub getting rave reviews
First off we sampled the Polly’s ‘Neither Odd or Even.
Anybody who has followed the brewery long enough will know we love to smash together previous hop combos from our dearly departed Originals range and create modern day frankenstein’d-together bangers. Citra Columbus always has a special place in our heart, after a particularly memorable after-work “sampling session” held by Sean and Arron, and we were huge fans of the original version of Enigma Simcoe IPA, so much so that we carried it over to the Augment range that now holds the brewery up. Smashing the two together and reeling back the ABV to a more sessionable 5.6%, we’ve created a pale ale that brings a swag bag of stone fruit, mango, peach and tangerine notes to the party, with just a little grassy bitterness to boot. 5.6% ABV
Went down very well…
Next I’m sure we had the ‘From Above’ by the Track brewing company.
From Above is our easy-going, quaffable gluten-free beer. Brewed using malted barley, Cara Gold and oats to bring fullness and a lovely bready malt character and dry hopped with Mosaic and Nelson. Up front, youll find exquisite pineapple and tropical fruit punch, a soft bitterness and mouth-watering lemon peel followed by a long finish. Beautifully balanced, drinkable and satisfying.
Maybe we had one more for the road but I can’t remember what it was, or much else for that matter.
sipadvisor 